The Winston’s Wish “Look After Myself” First Aid Kit is a resource designed to support children, young people, and adults in managing emotional challenges, particularly during times of grief or overwhelming stress. The kit helps individuals create personalised strategies for self-care, offering comfort and control in moments of emotional difficulty.
Key Steps in Creating a “Look After Myself” First Aid Kit:
Understanding the Concept:
- Similar to a physical first aid kit for external injuries, this kit is intended for emotional hurts and challenges that are “inside.” It is a personal collection of activities, items, or ideas that help soothe, calm, or uplift the individual when they feel overwhelmed.
Building the Kit:
- Each person can use the provided template or create their own by drawing a “first aid kit” with around 8 to 10 sections. In each section, they can draw or write self-care activities or comforting ideas. Examples include hugging a favourite toy, listening to music, playing a game, or going for a walk. The kit can be customised by age group:
- Children: Simple, comforting activities like hugging a toy, dancing, or talking to a grandparent.
- Young People: Listening to music, talking to friends, or journaling.
- Adults: Relaxing with a warm bath, enjoying a coffee with a friend, or engaging in a favourite hobby.
- Each person can use the provided template or create their own by drawing a “first aid kit” with around 8 to 10 sections. In each section, they can draw or write self-care activities or comforting ideas. Examples include hugging a favourite toy, listening to music, playing a game, or going for a walk. The kit can be customised by age group:
Sharing and Adapting Ideas:
- Once everyone completes their kit, participants can share their strategies, learning new ideas to add. Each person is encouraged to leave one space empty to include a strategy they borrow from another person.
Using the Kit:
- The First Aid Kit should be kept in an easily accessible place, like on the fridge or in a school bag. During difficult moments, individuals can refer to their kit and choose an activity that helps them cope, reminding them of the tools they have to manage their emotions.
Classroom or Group Use:
- In schools, a “Look After Myself” First Aid Kit can be developed for the entire class, offering shared strategies for students who feel overwhelmed. Strategies might include a quick run, hugging a class mascot, or taking five minutes to read in the book corner.
The Winston’s Wish First Aid Kit is a thoughtful tool for emotional resilience, providing children and adults with practical ways to manage stress and emotional pain. By creating and using their kits, individuals learn self-care skills that support well-being and coping in challenging times.
